When Changing gears must Clutch be ALL the way down?

[Exclusivs]

Whats up all fellow 6-SPD Owners,

My question to you guys is, when changing gears do you have to clutch ALL the way down. Meaning, press your clutch down to the floor. I've noticed It is possible to change gears W/O doing that, and for some reason shifts seem smoother to me that way, however I do not want to be damaging my car in any way.

Curious to know your driving styles!

Thanks in advance!

-Sam-

[Jaypod]

The clutch should be fully engaged before hitting the floor. I haven't really thought about it, but I don't think I ever put the clutch right to the floor. Will have to pay attention next time I get in the car.

[Exclusivs]

Originally Posted by Jaypod

The clutch should be fully engaged before hitting the floor. I haven't really thought about it, but I don't think I ever put the clutch right to the floor. Will have to pay attention next time I get in the car.

Very true observation...

Clutch only needs to reach the point of full engagement to change gears. Which is well before hitting the floor. I guess I have been curious because your foots all the way down on the floor (clutch) when for example sitting waiting for a light. But doesn't necessarily mean full engagement isn't before that...

[Green///Hell]

Yeah you have to find the point of engagement, some companies sell clutch stoppers so it'll go to the floor at the point where the clutch is in operation

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by ExclusivSTS

Whats up all fellow 6-SPD Owners,

My question to you guys is, when changing gears do you have to clutch ALL the way down. Meaning, press your clutch down to the floor. I've noticed It is possible to change gears W/O doing that, and for some reason shifts seem smoother to me that way, however I do not want to be damaging my car in any way.

Curious to know your driving styles!

Thanks in advance!

-Sam-

You might get many suggestions/recommendations to your question. I like to recommend you read the write up here ---> Once you read it you will know

[Exclusivs]

Bumping this topic from the grave!

Anymore 6mt owners- please chime in

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by ExclusivSTS

Bumping this topic from the grave!

Anymore 6mt owners- please chime in

Seems its already answered. The floor has nothing to do with clutch engagement. As the clutch wears the engagement point moves as well. Just have to be familiar with the spot in any car where the clutch engages or releases and press that far.

[bigjae1976]

I just stomp on the clutch and go to the floor. Its all about timing. I'm not wasting time and effort trying to be smooth and precise.

If you are worried about wear and tear...the worst thing a lot of people do is sit at traffic lights with the clutch pedal in...it engages the throwout bearing against the pressure plate. So you're introducing unnecessary wear on the pressure plate fingers and MOST OF ALL...the throwout bearing.

Historically, BMW throwout bearings are plastic, cheap, don't handle heat well and are usually in some state of failure when its time to do a clutch. More often, I see people replacing clutches because they had to remove the tranny since the throwout bearing failed.

I would guess that BMW has not really reinvented the throwout bearing since they will generally lasy 100k miles. But I'd definitely pay for a high quality throwout bearing if the aftermarket were to offer one.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I just stomp on the clutch and go to the floor. Its all about timing. I'm not wasting time and effort trying to be smooth and precise.

If you are worried about wear and tear...the worst thing a lot of people do is sit at traffic lights with the clutch pedal in...it engages the throwout bearing against the pressure plate. So you're introducing unnecessary wear on the pressure plate fingers and MOST OF ALL...the throwout bearing.

Historically, BMW throwout bearings are plastic, cheap, don't handle heat well and are usually in some state of failure when its time to do a clutch. More often, I see people replacing clutches because they had to remove the tranny since the throwout bearing failed.

I would guess that BMW has not really reinvented the throwout bearing since they will generally lasy 100k miles. But I'd definitely pay for a high quality throwout bearing if the aftermarket were to offer one.

you are kind of a caveman. i do this also but find it makes left foot braing that much more difficult because you dont modulate at all just stomp like the clutch.

[Porschefile]

No need to go all the way to the floor. I always run clutch stops on my cars with manuals, so you can go all the way to the "floor" and the engagement point can be right above that. It makes it feel better to me. Definitely worth the $20-30.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

you are kind of a caveman. i do this also but find it makes left foot braing that much more difficult because you dont modulate at all just stomp like the clutch.

That's a good point. I've tried left foot braking twice. First time my eyeballs almost came out of my head. The second time I didn't even apply the brakes. I was being too "smooth" and did this...

...haven't tried it since.

Originally Posted by Porschefile

No need to go all the way to the floor. I always run clutch stops on my cars with manuals, so you can go all the way to the "floor" and the engagement point can be right above that. It makes it feel better to me. Definitely worth the $20-30.

Yeah, I've been meaning to install one. But its like #50 on my list of things to do.

[Porschefile]

left foot braking is tough to master, I have to in my formula mazda (or at least it is a really really good idea) and I definitely locked up the tires a few times learning. Installing the clutch stop is a 30 second proposition (in my E36 M3).

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Porschefile

left foot braking is tough to master, I have to in my formula mazda (or at least it is a really really good idea) and I definitely locked up the tires a few times learning. Installing the clutch stop is a 30 second proposition (in my E36 M3).

it certainly is. i only left foot brake on the street. granted its in my x5 but doing so in an attempt to engrain the feeling of proper pressure so i can get it right someday on the track. at first when doing on the street it was very unnerving. i felt like i was going to hit every car i came up on at lights. now i do it in certain sections of the track on a limited basis.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

That's a good point. I've tried left foot braking twice. First time my eyeballs almost came out of my head. The second time I didn't even apply the brakes. I was being too "smooth" and did this...

...haven't tried it since.



Yeah, I've been meaning to install one. But its like #50 on my list of things to do.

What car are you driving? Doesn't sound like an M3 at all. Sounds like the Saleen S5S Raptor.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

What car are you driving? Doesn't sound like an M3 at all. Sounds like the Saleen S5S Raptor.

i think that is his 04 330.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

i think that is his 04 330.

Interesting.

With an Eaton positive displacement blower?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Interesting.

With an Eaton positive displacement blower?

not sure but it does have some form of forced induction. james will chime in.

[Exclusivs]

I did the clutch stop mod, a big improvement in my eyes. For the simple fact, you don't need to have your seat all the way up into the dash practically.

That being said, even with the clutch stop I don't go all the way to the "floor." I prob hit right before that, (fully engaged) and am able to achieve smooth shifts. (Well as smoothest as you can in a 6MT M3 :P)

Thanks for reply guys

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Interesting.

With an Eaton positive displacement blower?

330ci with an AA twinscrew. Opcon 1.7L I believe which is the same as a Kenny Bell 1.7.

Originally Posted by Porschefile

Installing the clutch stop is a 30 second proposition (in my E36 M3).

I know. That detail stuff hasn't made my list yet. Right now, I fly in from Milwaukee, track the car, fly back. Do a tech in between.

[aussiem3]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I just stomp on the clutch and go to the floor. Its all about timing. I'm not wasting time and effort trying to be smooth and precise.

If you are worried about wear and tear...the worst thing a lot of people do is sit at traffic lights with the clutch pedal in...it engages the throwout bearing against the pressure plate. So you're introducing unnecessary wear on the pressure plate fingers and MOST OF ALL...the throwout bearing.

Historically, BMW throwout bearings are plastic, cheap, don't handle heat well and are usually in some state of failure when its time to do a clutch. More often, I see people replacing clutches because they had to remove the tranny since the throwout bearing failed.

I would guess that BMW has not really reinvented the throwout bearing since they will generally lasy 100k miles. But I'd definitely pay for a high quality throwout bearing if the aftermarket were to offer one.

A very good discussion. You don't even think when the clutch is engaging ... you just floor and change. As pointed out as the wear increases the engagement point changes. I am not convinced using a clutch stop.

When I am sitting at the lights I normally have the car in neutral ... yes, you're slow off at the lights but it's a practice I've had for years throughout my 6MT ///3 ownership that span 13 years now.

It's pointless abusing things just because an ///3 is a hardier car (race-spec) compared to a series BMW. I would look after things and have the money in my pocket than donate it to the stealer or to anyone for that matter.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

330ci with an AA twinscrew. Opcon 1.7L I believe which is the same as a Kenny Bell 1.7.



I know. That detail stuff hasn't made my list yet. Right now, I fly in from Milwaukee, track the car, fly back. Do a tech in between.

what? now you think your a baller! my pit crew usually stays home and cant change a tire.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

That's a good point. I've tried left foot braking twice. First time my eyeballs almost came out of my head. The second time I didn't even apply the brakes. I was being too "smooth" and did this...


...haven't tried it since.

I am trying to spot the difference with one of your usual films! LOL!